The Unleashing
Page 117

I didnt hear it.
Thats because it was more like, he mumbled through barely opened lips, I love you. Vig rolled his eyes. Kera, stop laughing at me!
Kera sat down on Vigs porch and checked her phone. She smiled when she saw a text from the soldier shed help get a dog. Hed attached a picture of the two together and both looked happy and much healthier.
Okay. So maybe this was what she should be doing with her life. There were definitely worse life choices she could make. Besides, she already knew shed be good at it. And she couldnt put it off any longer. The soldier had already told a few friends about Kera and theyd sent her e-mails asking for help getting a dog as great as Dustins. She couldnt turn them down, so shed help. Of course shed help.
So are you going to be around, like, all the time now?
Kera looked up from her phone at Stieg and Siggy. Yes.
Yeah. All right. Then they walked up the porch steps and into Vigs house.
Kera smiled. It was nice being accepted by the boys.
Vig came out and sat down behind Kera, his legs on either side of her. He pulled her back so that she rested against his chest.
He kissed her ear. Feel free to tell them to go away when you need to.
I dont mind them. But if I want them to go away, have no fear . . . Ill tell them.
Good. After a moment, Vig asked, Whats wrong?
I still havent found that necklace. Freyjas necklace. Will she make me give back the hammer? I really like it.
Doubt it. But just to be on the safe side . . . Id keep looking for it.
Okay. Wanna take a drive with me later?
Sure. Where you going?
Figured Id go check on Brianna. Im guessing she went back to her apartment and I want to make sure shes okay. I heard she quit her job with Betty, she finished on a whisper.
Okay. Why are you whispering?
I dont know. I guess I feel bad for her.
Dont. Im sure shell be fine.
Erin, Annalisa, and Leigh walked toward Vigs house. Kera couldnt believe it, but she was happy to see them.
Hey, guys.
Hey. Erin smiled at her. Wanna go for a drive?
Where to?
Bettys in the mental hospital. Were going to go break her out.
Only if I cant get her out myself, Annalisa clarified. By legal means, I mean.
Kera glanced at Vig, then asked, Why is Betty in a mental hospital?
Its Betty, so who knows. But Chloe wants her out. You coming?
Sure, Ill go. Ive never been to a mental hospital before.
Yeah, but you thought Vig had.
Erin . . . shut up.
Laughing, Erin and the other Crows headed back toward their car.
Kera slid off the porch. Bet ya ten bucks that if they have the SUV, Jace is in the back . . . baking to death in the sun. While reading Dostoyevsky, she added.
Vig grabbed Keras hand and pulled her close. He kissed her and Keras bare feet curled in the dirt.
When he pulled away, she said, You dont have to go if you dont want to.
And miss a chance to see Betty Lieberman in a straitjacket? If I get pictures, I can make a fortune selling it to the gossip sites.
Vig jumped off the porch and looked back at his house with the broken windows. Hey. Were going to a mental hospital. You guys wanna
Vig didnt get to finish because Stieg and Siggy ran out toward where Erin usually parked.
My friends, Vig said. They make me so proud.
They could be worse, Kera said, putting her arm around Vigs waist.
How?
They could be like your great-great-great-great uncles.
Excellent point. His arm around her shoulder, they started walking. So . . . going to a mental hospital to break out one of your Elder Crow sisters. Kera, you cant say your life hasnt gotten more interesting.
No. I cant say that. But when I think about all you did to make this happen, I cant help but think there has to be an easier way for you to get a date.
There is, but nothing is ever easy when it comes to the Crows. Getting a Crow, however, is always worth the trouble.